THE 10 BEST Fort William Tours & Excursions

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fort william scotland tours

1. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

2. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Fort William Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

3. Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

4. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

5. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Inc Accommodation from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

6. Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

7. Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

8. Luxury Private Tour of The Highlands & Loch Ness from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

9. Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness - 3 Day Tour from Glasgow

fort william scotland tours

10. Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora

fort william scotland tours

11. Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow

fort william scotland tours

12. Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure from Glasgow

fort william scotland tours

13. Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure - Winter Edition from Glasgow

fort william scotland tours

14. Seal Island Cruise Tour

fort william scotland tours

15. Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Tour with Scenic Walk from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

16. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

17. Full-Day Trip: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

18. Loch Ness and the Highlands Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

19. Ultimate Day tour: Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Glencoe & Fort William

fort william scotland tours

20. Evening Cruise in Scotland

fort william scotland tours

21. Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - 2 Day Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

22. Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

23. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Glasgow

fort william scotland tours

24. Private Day trip to Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands via Glencoe

fort william scotland tours

25. Loch Ness, Highlands Tour, Glencoe & Pitlochry 1 Day Tour

fort william scotland tours

26. Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour with Scenic Walk starting Glasgow

fort william scotland tours

27. 5-Day Best of Scotland Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

28. 2-Day Inverness and the Highlands Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

fort william scotland tours

29. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including "Hogwarts Express" Ride

fort william scotland tours

30. Jacobite Train (1st Class) & Private Cruise of Loch Nevis + Lunch

What travelers are saying.

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  • Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh
  • Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh
  • Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness
  • Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh
  • Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh
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Fort William Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Fort William. We've got 140 adventures going to Fort William, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 29 days. The most popular month to go is July, which has the largest number of tour departures.

140 Fort William tour packages with 6,452 reviews

3 Day Isle of Skye Tour

  • Coach / Bus

3 Day Isle of Skye

this tour was amazing to get a glimpse of the highlands and the isle of Skye! The tour is weather dependent, and we were blessed with strong winds and rain but nonetheless Neil our guide provided us with suggestions and options for what was best. We were still able to see and do a lot and tick off some bucket list experiences and the weather was all part of the adventure! Neil’s knowledge and passion provided us with excellent folklore stories and information on Scottish history! Macbackpackers takes you off the beaten path compared to other tour companies, making it more of a unique experience! I will 100% be back for the 5 day tour!!

Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - from Edinburgh Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Christmas & New Year

Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - from Edinburgh

Graham was our guide and he entertained us with lots of story’s and facts, some more true as others ;-). He provided us with good tips about where to eat and drink. All though lots of things were closed (they open in march) Graham showed us a lot of things. We are happy we took this tour, we saw a lot and we had a realy great time. So many thanks to Graham.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Scotland Tour

It was a good trip seeing a lot of Scotland and the tour guide was very good. However a few things to improve are: There were too many people in the group so didn't really interact with the rest of them and the language difference didn't help either as I didn't realise that most of them spoke Spanish so the guide had to say everything in 2 languages. There was confusion on the trip as in the main Itinerary, it only mentioned breakfast included but when you looked into individual days it said dinner included, so didn't match. I feel that at least 1 dinner would have been nice to help with interacting with the group. I was a bit disappointed that the distillery changed days instead of the 1st day as I would have liked a bit more time to see Edinburgh especially as it was nice that day. Also the day in Edinburgh shouldn't be on a Saturday as it was too busy. A few places I felt rushed like Fort William as we only had time to get out, see it a bit, have a hot drink and toilet and then go but to be honest there wasn't much there so could have gone anywhere really. It was nice to see the castles except it would have good if Edinburgh castle had been included, but also maybe see something else for a variety like a mine or cave, or we did pass a cable car and that would have been nice. But overall it was a nice trip seeing places around Scotland in the time.

Highlights of Scotland Tour

Highlights of Scotland

This was my second G Adventures tour and it proved to be as enjoyable as the first one, which was the main reason my wife and I booked it. The small size of the tour group and the variety of people made it all the better. The tour offered a good balance between structured visits of major attractions and free time to explore on our own. I would not hesitate to recommend a G Adventures tour to anyone seeking a guided travel experience in the company of other like-minded travelers.

2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Tour

2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

We enjoyed the two day historic tour from Edinburgh to Inverness (overnight) to Ft William and back. Al was a fantastic guide - full of great information, humor and care for all of us. The Heather Isle B&B was fantastic - clean and roomy with a hearty breakfast. I felt I walked away with a greater love for Scotland, its heritage and history. The images of the landscapes of the highlands will forever be capture in my heart.

Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & The North West Highlands - Departing Edinburgh Tour

Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & The North West Highlands - Departing Edinburgh

The tour guide was witty & funny!He did a good job of giving us details & educating the group on the area.Best trip I have had ever! It was worth every penny!Id do it over 10X

Classic Walks of Scotland Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

Classic Walks of Scotland

The classic Walks of Scotland was my husband’s and my first experience with a group trip, We felt that everything went well, from the booking of the trip with Tourradar to the rest of the trip, hikes and bookings though Intrepid. The Intrepid group we hiked with was great and our guide, Kate, was very professional, attentive and fun. Thanks to Carmen and Phil from Guisachan Guest house for the comfortable and homey accommodations.

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling Tour

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

My trip with my wife was so amazing. Our tour guide Branka was so fascinating, funny, informative, and interesting. Each day was a true adventure, following both an itinerary and improvising based on weather, location and time of day. We met really cool people on the tour and had fun with them when we had some free time to roam around. Cool part was you can hang with them or just do your own thing with no problem. This trip was one my wife and I have never done before. Yet I would certainly recommend it for those who want to experience a unique and fun trip filled with awesome adventures throughout Scotland!

4-Day Outlander Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions Tour

4-Day Outlander Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions

It was fantastic. We had a Scottish tour guide who wore a kilt named Ross who was very knowledgeable about Outlander and the history of Scotland. He made the tour easy and the accommodation was superb, especially Fort William they made us a roast as we said we fancied one, so very kind. We'll worth the journey up to Scotland

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands Tour

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands

Perfect organization, our guide was excellent and entertaining; would do the tour again immediately, you get a n good overview
  • €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highland Experience\'s Scottish Choice Tour

Highland Experience's Scottish Choice

We had a very good time with Maj. He kept us entertained with stories about the history of the areas we toured. Beautiful sights, and lots of opportunities for photos, and souvenir shopping and trying the local food and drink at all our stops.

Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides Tour

Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides

If you can get Caitlin as your guide, go for it.

Ultimate Skye Experience Tour

Ultimate Skye Experience

We had a fabulous time and a great way to see Scotland in a short space of time. Our guides, Terrie and Donnie were terrific and good fun. Accommodation was excellent, and great breakfast. Would recommend the Ile of sky tour for anyone wanting to see the Scottish highlands and up and close to a hairy Coo!

Taste of Scotland Tour

Taste of Scotland

Scotland Culinary Tour

  • Food & Culinary

Scotland Culinary

Reviews of fort william tours.

This was the BEST trip I could’ve asked for. Tim (our guide) knew every trail, mountain, and bit of history on Skye and the rest of Scotland. The only time we weren’t laughing on this tour was when we were sleeping in Mackbackpackers’ very own hostel in picturesque Kyleakin. We were so so lucky to be in this small group, enjoying the beautiful country with exceptional weather and company. The worst part? Leaving. It is a lot of walking and hiking, so make sure to bring appropriate shoes and clothes when you inevitably book this trip!!
Excellent driver/tour guide in Garry. Very knowledgeabke
It was a good trip seeing a lot of Scotland and the tour guide was very good. However a few things to improve are: There were too many people in the group so didn't really interact with the rest of them and the language difference didn't help either as I didn't realise that most of them spoke Spanish so the guide had to say everything in 2 languages. There was confusion on the trip as in the main Itinerary, it only mentioned breakfast included but when you looked into individual days it said dinner included, so didn't match. I feel that at least 1 dinner would have been nice to help with interacting with the group. I was a bit disappointed that the distillery changed days instead of the 1st day as I would have liked a bit more time to see Edinburgh especially as it was nice that day. Also the day in Edinburgh shouldn't be on a Saturday as it was too busy. A few places I felt rushed like Fort William as we only had time to get out, see it a bit, have a hot drink and toilet and then go but to be honest there wasn't much there so could have gone anywhere really. It was nice to see the castles except it would have good if Edinburgh castle had been included, but also maybe see something else for a variety like a mine or cave, or we did pass a cable car and that would have been nice. But overall it was a nice trip seeing places around Scotland in the time.
  • to Europe (2)
  • Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Fort William Rundreisen
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  • Nederlands: Fort William Rondreizen

fort william scotland tours

10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 0

10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys

Sprawled in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain, Fort William is a small town with a big title. It’s known as the country’s Outdoor Capital thanks to its spectacular scenery and wealth of outdoor activities right on its doorstep. 

Fort William also has easy access to the West Highlands and decent transport to the west Scottish islands such as Mull and Skye, making it a popular base with travellers. 

If you’re keen to leverage it as a base too and see some of the most spectacular sights in Scotland, here are the best day trips from Fort William. 

Climb Ben Nevis 

The snow-covered summit of Ben Nevis mountain in Fort William.

Let’s start with probably one of the most famous day trips you can do from Fort William – climbing Ben Nevis. Towering over the town, this iconic mountain is the highest in the UK, standing at 1,345 metres above sea level. 

Once an active volcano, it belongs to the Grampian mountain range and offers dramatic 360-degree views of the surrounding Munros. 

It takes around 7-8 hours to hike to the peak and back again. There are several routes you can take, but the easiest one starts at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre about 2km outside of Fort William. 

Ben Nevis is not a challenge to take lightly. Make sure you have a good level of fitness and bring the right equipment. Always check that the weather conditions are clear too. Do a group tour like this one if you’re not confident. 

How to get there: Start the hike at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

Ride the Jacobite steam train 

The Jacobite steam train going over Glenfinnan Viaduct - an easy day trip from Fort William

Another popular excursion you can do is riding the Jacobite steam train. 

It’s famous for being known as the Harry Potter train (Hogwarts Express), although the real train from the films is at Warner Brothers Studios. Still, you don’t have to be a Potter fan to enjoy it!

Hailed as one of the world’s greatest railway journeys, it’s one of the last remaining vintage trains in the UK. Choose between Standard or First Class tickets. All tickets include a round trip. 

The steam train starts in Fort William and chugs its way through some incredible Scottish Highland scenery before arriving at the seaside town of Mallaig. It then returns to Fort William. 

Notable sights to look out for include: 

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct 
  • Glenfinnan Monument 
  • Loch Morar 
  • The southern end of Skye (on a good day)

How to get there: Board the train at Fort William Station. Or ride the ScotRail train to Glenfinnan and see the Jacobite cross the viaduct.

Editor’s tip: The Jacobite steam train only runs for half the year – from April to October. Tickets sell out fast too so book them well in advance. Read my complete guide to plan your trip. 

Visit Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan viaduct among the green hills and Loch Shiel in the corner.

Glenfinnan may be a view from the Jacobite, but it’s well worth a visit in its own right. Firstly, you can see the striking archways of Glenfinnan Viaduct up close. 

If you time it well, you can also see the Jacobite steam train go over it depending on the season. The best view of this moment is from Glenfinnan Viewpoint on the hill above the viaduct.  

Secondly, on the shores of Loch Shiel is the Glenfinnan Monument which was built to remember the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and the Highlanders who lost their lives at the Battle of Culloden. 

A lone Highlander often stands at the top and you can climb up to meet him. There’s also a museum, cafe and visitor centre. 

How to get there: Take the ScotRail train to Glenfinnan

Read More: 14 Best Things to Do Near Aviemore, Scotland

Take a boat trip across Loch Linnhe 

The ferry landing jetty in Loch Lihnne in Fort William. Low hanging clouds coming down on the other side of the loch.

One of the best excursions from Fort William is out across the water. Take a boat trip across Loch Linnhe and spend a leisurely few hours admiring the tranquil scenery. 

Highlights include spotting the resident seal colony at Black Rock, seeing the ancient Caledonian forest from the water and small islets teeming with birds. 

The boat will take you past the pretty village of Corpach where you’ll find Scotland’s most Instagrammed shipwreck. 

How to get there: Boat trips from Fort William depart at Fort William Ferry Landing

Editor’s tip: This boat trip only takes about two hours to complete. You could do it in the morning or afternoon and do something local like visiting Spean Bridge or Inverlochy Castle for the remainder of your day. 

Explore the Isle of Skye 

The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye. A spiral of stones in a hilly landscape.

If you drive, it’s possible to do a day trip from Fort William to the Isle of Skye. Bear in mind, it will take about 2.5 each way! It’s a nice drive though and it will take you past Eilean Donan Castle – a great photo spot!

Skye is an incredible island with so much to see and do there. I highly recommend spending two or three days there to really see it all. 

If you’re short on time, head to Portree, the main settlement and pretty fishing village. From there, drive up the Trotternish Peninsula to see some of the most beautiful scenery on the island, including: 

  • Old Man of Storr 
  • Quiraing 
  • Kilt Rock 

If you don’t drive, the easiest way to get to Skye is with a small group tour rather than relying on public transport. 

WOW Scotland does popular day tours from Fort William to the Isle of Skye. You can also do tours departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. 

Visit Inverlochy Castle, old and new 

Ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle with green grass and a tree in the foreground. One of the easiest day trips from Fort William

You might expect Fort William to have a fort but there’s sadly very little left of it. However, two miles outside of the town you’ll find Old Inverlochy Castle. 

Although now also a ruin, this fort dates back to the 13th century and had a great defensive position on the River Lochy. 

At the time of writing, you can’t currently go inside but you can wander around what’s left of the perimeters. 

It’s one of the easiest things to do from Fort William, but if you want a little more…

A much more intact castle to visit is Inverlochy Castle Hotel. The 19th-century castle lies at the foot of Ben Nevis with serene grounds that led Queen Victoria to write: ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’ during a visit. 

The castle is a five-star hotel but it’s possible to visit for coffee, dinner, afternoon tea and take a look around the grounds. If you do, I recommend making a reservation as you may be turned away otherwise. 

Afterwards, pop into Ben Nevis Distillery for a dram or a whisky tour. It’s located between the two castles so, really, it would be rude not to!

How to get there: It will take you about 30 minutes to walk to Old Inverlochy Castle from Fort William – and another 30 minutes to get to the hotel. 

See Glen Coe 

Lush grassy hills and Munros of Glen Coe with grey clouds above.

If you want to see the dramatic Scottish landscape at its best, a day trip to Glen Coe is a must. 

Just around the corner from Fort William, Glen Coe is characterised by a deep valley surrounded by towering mountains. 

The impressive scenery was formed by ancient (and now extinct) volcanic eruptions and glaciers that scarred the land. Revel in its beauty by hiking across its landscape. 

Popular trails include: 

  • Ballachulish Slate Quarries and Loch Leven (easy)
  • Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) (moderate)
  • The Three Sisters of Glencoe (hard)

You can also wander around the glen, learn about the massacre of Clan McDonald in the Visitor Centre and have a coffee in the village of Glencoe. 

How to get there: Take the A82 down Loch Linnhe to get there. It’s about 30 minutes to drive. The 914 bus to Glasgow will take you some of the way and then it’s another 50 minutes walk to the Visitor Centre. 

Visit Spean Bridge 

Close-up of the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge. A statue of three World War II soldiers against a backdrop of blue sky.

The small but pretty village of Spean Bridge is situated at the southern end of the Great Glen. 

It’s known as the ‘crossroads of the Highlands’. Roads to the north take you up to Inverness , south to Fort William and east to Loch Laggan. 

About 1.5 miles west of the village, you’ll find the Commando Memorial with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The striking memorial was built to remember the local commando soldiers who died during World War II. 

How to get there: Drive 16 minutes up the A82. You can also get a ScotRail train which takes about 25 minutes including a 10-minute walk. 

Read More: Scotland West Coast Itinerary: How to See the Best of the West Coast in 10 Days

Admire Glen Nevis 

The rolling hills of Glen Nevis with a road leading through it and trees on either side.

At the foot of Ben Nevis is Glen Nevis, located just a few minutes from Fort William town centre. An ancient glacial valley, it offers a nature lover’s paradise with its plethora of walking trails. 

The River Nevis flows through it, feeding several spectacular waterfalls. A popular one to hike to is Steall Falls. 

Tumbling 120 metres down into the valley with the Nevis Gorge behind, it’s rumoured to be the highest waterfall in Scotland. 

The glen is also the starting point for the hike up to Ben Nevis – but you don’t just have to be a hiking enthusiast to visit. Find cycling routes or spot wildlife including red squirrels, golden eagles and otters. 

You could even see how many filming locations you recognise from Braveheart to Harry Potter. 

How to get there: Glen Nevis is reachable in eight minutes by car, 24 by public transport and one hour on foot from Fort William. 

Enjoy the abundance of hiking trails 

Close-up of a loch with marine plants on top and hills in the distance. Near Fort William.

If you haven’t noticed already, there are endless hiking trails around Fort William, so its Outdoor Capital status is justly deserved. 

Located within the Lochaber Geopark (which stretches all the way west to the Small Isles), you’re spoilt with unique and breathtaking scenery whichever trail you follow. 

Some scenic hikes include: 

  • Crofters Woods (easy)
  • Neptune’s Staircase and Corpach (easy)
  • Cow Hill (moderate)
  • Dun Deardail (moderate)
  • Glenloy Forest and Strone Viewpoint (easy)

Fort William practical information

Steall Falls in Glen Nevis with purple flowers in the foreground.

Below are some quick practical travel tips to help you plan your trip: 

Is Fort William worth visiting? 

The town itself sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe and has some nice eateries and shops. There’s also a West Highland Museum and the remains of the old fort (which is now mostly underneath the train station). 

Other than that, there are not huge amounts to do, but it’s 100% worth a visit as it’s a great base for exploring the West Highlands and Islands. It’s in a beautiful location too. 

Fort William was central to my trip to the isles of Skye and Mull. I was there about four times in 10 days! 

If you want to explore further afield, check out my guide to the best places to visit on Scotland’s west coast.

When is the best time to visit Fort William? 

The best time to visit really depends on what sort of holiday you want. Generally, April to October is the best time for the warmest weather and the least amount of rain. 

It’s an ideal time for hiking as the trails will be free from snow and ice. The Jacobite train only runs during these months too. 

Fort William is not just a summer destination though. 

As the landscape submerges under a thick blanket of snow, the Nevis Range Mountain Experience is in full swing high on Aonach Mor. Here, you’ll also find the UK’s only mountain gondola. 

The ski resort is typically open from December to April. 

I wouldn’t attempt climbing Ben Nevis during the winter unless you’re an expert hillwalker. 

How do you get to Fort William? 

If you don’t drive, the easiest way to get to Fort William is via the train. ScotRail’s West Highland Line connects Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig. It also runs down to the fishing town of Oban. 

In my opinion, the train is the best way to reach Fort William because of the scenery. Hailed as one of the most scenic railway lines in the world, the view outside your window never dulls. 

Highlights include Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Rannoch Moor, Carrour and of course, if you go further than Fort William, you reach Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

The train from Glasgow to Fort William takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. 

If you’re driving up from Glasgow, follow the A82 right through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, skirting around Glencoe and alongside Loch Linnhe. 

It’s a beautiful journey too and it takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. 

Editor’s tip: Did you know you can travel all the way from London to Fort William via the Caledonian Sleeper? It’s absolutely magical waking up to the Highlands whizzing past your window!

Map of all the Fort William day trips

Here’s a map to help you find each location I’ve mentioned in this post: 

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Fort William 

Fort William may be a small and slightly unassuming town, but if you want to explore Scotland’s West Highlands and islands, you really can’t ignore it. 

With its great public transport links and scenic countryside all under the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain, it’s no wonder it’s called the Outdoor Capital. 

I hope this guide has inspired you to try some of these day trips from Fort William, Scotland and see this incredible corner of the world for yourself. 

Whether you’re a hiker, nature lover or history enthusiast (or simply want to tick the Jacobite train off your bucket list), the scenery here will take your breath away. 

Looking for more Scotland travel tips? These posts can help!

  • Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season
  • Top 3 Reasons to Add Islay to Your Scotland Itinerary
  • Here’s What You Need To Know About Travelling In Scotland
  • Mull Accommodation: 11 Best Places To Stay
  • 13 Awesome Day Trips From Edinburgh By Train Or Bus
  • No-Fly Holidays: The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh (Review)
  • 10 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh For The Ultimate Travel Itinerary
  • An Epic Rewilding Experience in Scotland with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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fort william scotland tours

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Last Updated on 08/12/2023

Highland Discovery Tours

A Highland Ready To Explore

Urquhart Castle

FORT WILLIAM & GLENCOE TOUR FROM INVERNESS

A day filled with breath taking scenery from inverness.

Explore Scotland's stunning Highlands with Highland Discovery on our Fort William & Glencoe Tour.

From the picturesque town of Fort William to the dramatic peaks of Glencoe,

you'll be taken on a journey of breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Along the way, our experienced drivers will provide you with the history and culture of the area,

making this an unforgettable experience.

This Tour is From Inverness only and does not collect from Invergordon port 

below is our typical Itinerary

This tour is a fantastic full day tour with amazing scenery starting from Inverness

Starting your day from your hotel with your driver

your first stop For photos is our famous loch   ness and urquhart castle

the next stop will be for the invermoriston falls 

following this you will stop for 30 minutes in Fort Augustus to walk around this amazing town and lochs

We will now pass the Bridge of Oich as we leave Fort Augustus heading towards Glencoe​

We have 3 stops in Glencoe 

1. The Three Waters Meeting Point

2. The Three Sisters

3. A Scenic view from the Bottom of Glencoe

from here we will have 30 Minutes for Lunch before heading to

Glenfinnan Viaduct for the Harry Potter Train going over the viaduct 3-30pm

our final stops on route home are the Commando Monument and Dores Beach 

you should return back to Inverness Around 5.30 to 6pm

This Tour Collects from Inverness and nearby areas

This Tour is Priced Per Vehicle 

2 Passengers only £5 50

up to 4 passengers £650 

up to 6 Passengers £750

If the above page does not answer your questions please feel free to drop us a email

Fort William & Glencoe Tour

Fort William & Glencoe Tour

On the Luce travel blog

8 of the best day trips from Fort William, Scotland

Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2023

Eight great day trips from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands – from historic castles and canals to scenic trains and seaside towns – with details of how to get there by car or public transport.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

8 of the best day trips from Fort William, Scotland

The town of Fort William is known as the adventure capital of the Scottish Highlands. You can climb Ben Nevis, hike the West Highland Way or take a boat trip on Loch Linnhe. But as well as exploring the town itself, Fort William’s transport links and selection of places to stay and eat also make it a good base for exploring the Scottish Highlands.

You can easily base yourself in Fort William and take trips out to places like Glencoe, Loch Ness or even the Isle of Skye. So here are eight of the top day trips from Fort William, with details of how to visit each place by car, by public transport or on a tour.

Map of day trips from Fort William

Map of day trips from Fort William

How to get around

The easiest way to explore the area around Fort William is by car, as it gives you the most flexibility to adjust your itinerary or stop off on the way if you see something interesting. But if you don’t have a car then it is still possible to take day trips from Fort William by public transport, using a combination or trains, buses and tours.

You can pick up a hire car from the nearest airports, which are Inverness (75 miles) or Glasgow (99 miles). Or you can hire a car when you get to Fort William, though supplies are limited (particularly if you want an automatic) so book well in advance.

Travelling by public transport takes a bit more planning, as although buses or trains link the main towns and villages, they don’t always run very frequently – and sometimes not at all on Sundays. Details of how to do each day trip are listed below. And you can double check timetables with Scotrail (trains) or CityLink and Shiel Buses (buses).

The Fairy Pools waterfalls in the Isle of Skye, Scotland: Day trips from Fort William

Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes are a favourite with film-makers and photographers. But the glen was also the site of one of Scottish history’s darker moments – the Glencoe Massacre. On 13 February 1692, 30 men, women and children from the MacDonald clan were murdered by government soldiers who they’d let stay in their homes.

You can find out about the Jacobites and the massacre at Glencoe Visitor Centre, where they’ve recreated a traditional house to show how the MacDonalds would’ve lived. There’s also a monument to the massacre in Glencoe village and the Glencoe Folk Museum.

If you have a car don’t miss the drive down the Glen Etive Road , as seen in James Bond film Skyfall . And Glencoe is great for walking, with plenty of short scenic routes like the 1.5-mile An Torr walk to Signal Rock, where it’s said the signal was sounded to start the massacre, and the 5-mile climb to the top of the Pap of Glencoe for panoramic views.

Read more: 13 things to do in Fort William and Glencoe

Glencoe Visitor Centre on a day trip from Fort William

How to get there

By car : Glencoe village is 16 miles (25 minutes’ drive) south of Fort William along the A82, with views of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven. The visitor centre is about another mile down the road from the village, and has a pay and display car park.

By public transport : Two bus routes link Fort William with Glencoe. CityLink 914/915/916 and Shiel Buses N44 services both stop at Glencoe Junction (for the village) and take 30 minutes. The CityLink service also stops at Glencoe Visitor Centre.

Driving through Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands

2. The Jacobite steam train

One of the most popular day trips from Fort William is the rail journey along the West Highland Line to Mallaig on board the Jacobite steam train – which Harry Potter fans might know better as the Hogwarts Express after it featured in the films.

The train uses vintage carriages, with a choice of First or Standard Class seats, and is hauled by an original steam locomotive. The journey is only 42 miles each way but takes its time to soak up the beautiful views along the way. From Fort William the train crosses the Caledonian Canal and curves around the arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

It then runs past lochs, mountain and forests, passing Arisaig – the most westerly railway station in Britain – and along the coast with views of the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Skye. You then have a couple of hours to explore the port town of Mallaig, where you can take a wildlife-spotting boat tour, before heading back to Fort William.

Read more: A guide to Scotland’s Jacobite steam train

The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Jacobite does a round trip from Fort William train station to Mallaig every day from April to October. There’s a morning service which departs at 10.15am, and an additional afternoon service between May and September which departs at 12.50 (14.40 on Saturdays). Both take around six hours, with 1 hour 45 minutes in Mallaig.

If you’re visiting in winter when the Jacobite isn’t running, you can also take a not-so-glamorous but just as scenic regular Scotrail train. It runs along the same stretch of the West Highland Line three to four times a day and takes 90 minutes.

The steam engine on the Jacobite

3. Glenfinnan

The most famous view of the Jacobite steaming around the Glenfinnan Viaduct isn’t from the train but from the hillside above it. The viaduct was built at the end of the 20th century and has 21 arches stretching for 1000 feet above the River Finnan.

The train crosses over the viaduct around 11.00 and 15.15 for the morning service and 13.25 and 18.00 (15.15 and 19.45 on Saturdays) for the afternoon. Get there at least half an hour early to bag a spot on the hillside. Afterwards you can visit the Highland Railway Museum at Glenfinnan station or have a cup of tea in their dining carriage café.

Glenfinnan is also where you’ll find the Glenfinnan Monument, which was built in 1815 as a tribute to Bonnie Prince Charlie and those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause. You can climb up to the top of the monument where a statue of a lone Highlander looks out over Loch Shiel. Or visit the pretty waterside Church of St Mary and St Finnan.

The Glenfinnan Monument

By car : Glenfinnan is 17 miles (30 minutes’ drive) west of Fort William along the A830. Paid car parking is available at the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument Car Park (PH37 4LT), which is a short walk to the viaduct and monument.

By public transport : Trains from Fort William run to Glenfinnan in around 35 minutes. Or you can catch the Shiel Buses 500 service from Fort William, which stops at the end of the road to Glenfinnan train station, a 20-minute walk to the monument.

The Church of St Mary and St Finnan in Glenfinnan in Scotland

4. The Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal runs for 60 miles between Fort William and Inverness. It follows a natural fault line and combines lochs with stretches of man-made canal, and was created by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in 1822 as a trade route across the country.

Just outside Fort William, Neptune’s Staircase is canal’s most impressive landmark. It’s the longest staircase lock in the UK, with eight interconnected locks which allow ships to travel 19.5 metres up or down in just 450 metres. It’s all operated by hydraulics and is fascinating to watch, with each ship taking 90 minutes to travel through.

A boat trip along the canal takes longer than one day, but you can get a taste of the scenery by walking or cycling along the towpath while you watch the boats pass by.

Neptune's Staircase canal locks on a day trip from Fort William in Scotland

By car : Neptune’s Staircase is in the village of Banavie, 3 miles (10 minutes’ drive) north of Fort William along the A830. Free parking is available at Banavie Locks Car Park.

By public transport : Banavie is 7 minutes by train from Fort William, or it’s on the route of Shiel Buses 500 service. You can also walk between the two along a 4-mile stretch of the Great Glen Way, a long-distance walk between Fort William and Inverness.

The Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus

5. Loch Ness

At 22.5 miles long, a mile wide and 240 metres deep, Scotland’s best-known loch contains more water than all other lakes in England and Wales combined – and who knows what else lurks in the deep? A 1933 sighting started a monster obsession, but despite over 1000 sightings and a series of expeditions, the Loch Ness Monster is still a mystery.

The road to Loch Ness passes through Spean Bridge, where you can see the Commando Monument. Then once you reach Fort Augustus at the southern end of the loch you can take a boat trip with Cruise Loch Ness. You can also learn about clan life and weaponry at the Clansman Centre or visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre.

Or travel further up the west side of the loch to Drumnadrochit where you’ll find the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, with everything you could want to know about the loch and its resident monster, as well as the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Read more: 12 great things to do in Loch Ness, Scotland

A boat trip with Jacobite cruises on Loch Ness near Inverness

By car : Fort Augustus at the south end of Loch Ness is 32 miles (45 minutes’ drive) from Fort William. Or it’s around 50 miles to Drumnadrochit.

By public transport : The CityLink 919 bus service runs from Fort William to Fort Augustus (1 hour), Urquhart Castle and Drumnadrochit (1.5 hours).

Sunset at Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness

The seaside town of Oban sits on a horseshoe bay on the Firth of Lorn, to the south of Fort William. It’s known as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ and is a great place to come for a feast of scallops, mussels, oysters, lobster, crab and langoustines.

Check out the view from McCaig’s Tower, built by wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig as a memorial to his family and to give work to local stonemasons. The planned tower and museum were never finished, leaving only the outer walls which look like a mini Scottish version of the Colosseum. But there are some lovely views from the gardens.

Oban is also home to the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest and smallest whisky distilleries, where you can do tours and tastings. Or if you have more than a day, you could use Oban as a jumping-off point to the Isles of Kerrera, Staffa, Iona and Mull.

Oban harbour

By car : Oban is 44 miles (1 hour 10 minutes’ drive) south of Fort William via the A828, which runs along the shores of Loch Linnhe almost all the way.

By public transport : Oban is a bit of a challenge to reach by public transport from Fort William. The train takes 3.5 hours (with a change at Crianlarich).

The West Coast Motors 918 bus is quicker at just 90 minutes. But there are only two services a day, which are awkwardly timed so you’d get to Oban at 2pm and have to leave at 4pm – meaning you’d spend more time on the bus than you would in Oban! So it might be better suited to an overnight visit rather than a day trip from Fort William.

McCaig's Tower in Oban

7. Eilean Donan Castle

A real Scottish icon, Eilean Donan Castle is said to be the most photographed castle in the country, and has featured on many postcards (and shortbread tins). It’s a popular stop-off on the way to the Isle of Skye but you can also visit on a day trip from Fort William.

Eilean Donan is located on a tiny island in a strategic position where three sea lochs come together. The first castle was built in the 13th century on the site of a Pictish fort. After years of damage and rebuilding, it was left in ruins by government forces after the Jacobite uprising. But in 1912 John MacRae-Gilstrap bought and spent 20 years restoring it.

The family still use the castle but part of it is open to the public. The stone bridge makes an imposing entrance, and inside you can visit rooms like the grand Banqueting Hall and see period furniture and artworks, Jacobite artefacts and weapons.

Day trips from Fort William: Crossing the bridge to Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands

By car : Eilean Donan is 65 miles (1.5 hours’ drive) north of Fort William along the A82 and A87. There’s plenty of free parking around the visitor centre.

By public transport : CityLink 915/916 buses run from Fort William to Dornie, a few minutes’ walk from the castle, and take around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Eilean Donan Castle at sunset

8. The Isle of Skye

Our final day trip is to the Isle of Skye. It’s the furthest away from Fort William and there’s a lot to see on the island. So you’ll only get a taste of it on a day trip and would ideally have a few days to spend exploring. But even a short trip to Skye is worth it to soak up some of its spectacular scenery of mountains, cliffs, waterfalls and moorland.

At the heart of the island is Skye’s compact capital Portree, a pastel-painted harbour town. From there you can take a popular 50-mile circular road trip to the north around the Trotternish Loop. Along the way you pass some of Skye’s major landmarks like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing mountain range and magical Fairy Glen.

You could also explore the centre of the island where you’ll find the Fairy Pools waterfalls, Cuillin Mountains and Talisker Distillery. Or head south to visit Armadale Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles, which tells the story of Clan Donald.

Read more: Isle of Skye itinerary: The best of the island in 3 days

The Old Man of Storr on day trips from Fort William to the Isle of Skye

By car : You can reach Skye from Fort William either by ferry or across the Skye Bridge. The ferry runs from Mallaig, which is a 42-mile (1-hour) drive west of Fort William. The crossing to Armadale takes 30 minutes then it’s another hour’s drive to Portree.

Or you can drive north and across the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. It’s 108 miles to Portree from Fort William (2.5 hours’ drive). The bridge is slightly quicker as you don’t have to wait for the ferry. Or you could do one in each direction to get different views.

By public transport : CityLink 915/916 buses connect Fort William with Portree and take around 3 hours. But you wouldn’t be able to see much of the island from Portree if you only had one day as the local bus services are pretty limited.

A better option is to take a guided tour, which lets you see Skye’s main sights in a short time. There’s a day tour available from Invermoriston and another from Kyle of Lochals h , both of which you can get to using buses from Fort William.

Boat in Portree harbour on the Isle of Skye

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Eight great day trips from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands – from historic castles and canals to scenic trains and seaside towns – with details of how to get there by car or public transport | Fort William day trips | Day trips in the Scottish Highlands | Things to do in Fort William

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Kathryn Burrington

Monday 21st of November 2022

So many magical places! I've yet to explore Scotland but I dream of taking a campervan around this area one day. I'm not sure it will be next year but hopefully the year after! I'll be straight back here when I start planning. Your guides are fabulous.

Lucy Dodsworth

Tuesday 22nd of November 2022

Thank you! It would be a great place for a campervan trip, so much to see and lots of hidden-away spots to explore.

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Glenfinnan Monument

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Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure (Edinburgh)

This is of one of most popular tours. This tour takes you up through dramatic and atmospheric Glencoe, before reaching Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Then, it's on to Glenfinnan to see the famous Viaduct and Monument.

Our Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Adventure begins in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, at our departure point on the Royal Mile. Departing Edinburgh's bustling streets, passing some of its most iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle on your way out, and begin your journey north into the rugged Scottish Highlands.

We pause for refreshments at Callander, the gateway to the Highlands, before continuing to Glencoe. The well-known, dramatic Glen features in many films, such as James Bonds' Skyfall, and is the backdrop to some scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, perfect to get you in the mood to visit the famous "Harry Potter Bridge" that you will see later in the tour. We pause here for photos and to learn all about the history of Glencoe, including the massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692.

From the atmospheric Glencoe, we travel further along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William, which sits at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain - Ben Nevis. We stop here to allow you to stretch your legs and have an early lunch break, before we journey onwards to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct was arguably made most famous from its scenes in Harry Potter and is surrounded by mountains on the stunning shores of Loch Shiel. Not only is this location famous for the Jacobite Steam Train* (not to be confused with the Hogwarts' Express), Loch Sheil was the location of the "Black Lake". See if you can spot a "grindylow" causing trouble under the surface! It's also the setting for Buckbeak's beautiful flight, scenes from the Triwizard Tournament, and also the stunning loch on which Hogwarts sits.

We take in the viaduct and a photo opportunity before a visit to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, which symbolises one of the most important events in Scottish history; the 1745 Jacobite uprising.

Departing Glenfinnan, we begin our return journey to Edinburgh, stopping along the way for refreshments at the small village of Pitlochry. Enjoy time to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite to eat before we return to Edinburgh where our Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Adventure will end. 

*The Jacobite Steam Train runs 1st May - 29th September 2023.

From £57 per adult

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  • Small coach
  • Large Group (31+)
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From £57 Per Adult £55 Per Child £55 Concession

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Timberbush Tours Ltd

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Timberbush tours ltd.

With over 25 years experience, we are one of Scotland’s longest running tour operators who offer a wide range of 1, 2 & 3 day tours of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, running daily from our Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. We will take you on a journey of discovery around Scotland’s best tourist attractions and historical sites as well as off-the-beaten-track beauty spots. We love nothing more than showing our adventurers around our beloved Scotland, taking in sights such as Skye, Loch Ness, Stirling Castle, Glencoe, the Harry Potter Train and many others.

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  • ABOUT THIS TOUR
  • ITINERARY & MAP

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Tour Highlights

  • The only Skye tour offering free Invermoriston pick up and drop off
  • Experience all of the highlights of Skye in just one day
  • The only day tour to visit both the Fairy Pools and the Trotternish Peninsula
  • Leave your car behind and see Skye with locals who know it (and love it!)

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Itinerary and Map +

Itinerary & map, your ultimate isle of skye tour starts in invermoriston.

Your Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour starts in Invermoriston

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour departs Inverness at 8.15am and will pick you up from the Invermoriston (in the small carpark opposite The Clog & Craft Shop) at 9.15am . From here the tour is as detailed from number 3 – 9 on our Ultimate Skye Tour page. At the end of the day we will drop you off back in Invermoriston at approximately 7.15pm , before returning to Inverness at 8.15pm.

If you are staying in Fort Augustus or Fort William please check out our FAQ tab above for details of how to get to the meeting point in Invermoriston.

There are so many wonderful sights on the Isle of Skye and we have carefully crafted our itinerary to enable you to see as much as possible in one day, without feeling rushed. Even if you have your own transport we would highly recommend leaving the driving to our highly experienced driver guide; we are adept at safely manoeuvring the single track roads and tourist traffic, letting you concentrate on enjoying the world-class scenery on Skye.

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How can I join the tour from Fort William? +

Travel by car

If you are staying in Fort William you can drive to join the tour in Invermoriston.

If you plan to drive the journey is approximately 40 miles and will take a minimum of one hour. Please leave plenty time for your journey as the road can be busy and it can be tricky to overtake large vehicles, so it may well take longer than you expect.   Upon arrival you can park at the Invermoriston Falls car park in the village (postcode for your satnav is IV63 7YA) which is just down the road from our pick up point.  There are public toilets here.    

Make your way to the small carpark across the road from The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.15am.  You will be dropped off back in Invermoriston at around 7.15 – 7.30pm.

Travel by Citylink bus (one way only)

If you do not have a car you can take the Citylink bus in the morning to meet the tour, but please note that there is no longer a late return service from Invermoriston (as of 2023).  Consequently, if you take the bus in the morning you will need to make alternative plans in the evening i.e. either return to Inverness with the tour or book a taxi to return from Invermoriston to Fort William (approx. £90 one way, must be booked in advance).

In the morning you need to take the 7.30am Citylink bus from Fort William Bus Station. This bus arrives in Invermoriston (outside the village hall) at 8.41am. From here it is a very short walk (approx. 1 minute, public toilets on the way) to the small carpark across the road from The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.15am. 

At the end of the day the tour will drop you off in Invermoriston at around 7.15-7.30pm, or you can return to Inverness.

You can purchase your tickets from the Citylink website in advance.

How can I join the tour from Fort Augustus? +

To join the tour from Fort Augustus you can either take a bus (one way only) or drive to join the tour in Invermoriston.

You need to catch the Citylink bus at 8.29am in Fort Augustus. This bus arrives in Invermoriston (outside the village hall) at 8.41am. From here it is a very short walk (approx. 1 minute, public toilets on the way) to the small carpark opposite The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.15am.  Please note that there is no late bus returning to Fort Augustus after the tour returns at 7.15-7.30pm.   Consequently, you would need to pre-book a taxi, or return with the tour to Inverness at the end of the day.

You can purchase a single ticket from the Citylink website in advance (£3 approx.)

If you plan to drive the journey is approximately 7 miles and will take around 15 minutes.  Upon arrival you can park at the Invermoriston Falls car park in the village (postcode for your satnav is IV63 7YA) which is just around the corner from our pick up point. There are public toilets here.

What time will you pick me up in Invermoriston? +

The tour will pick you up at 9.15am in Invermoriston. Note that, when you start to book the tour, you will see that there is only an option to book the 8.15am tour.  Please rest assured that this is the correct tour – it departs from Inverness at 8.15am and will pick you up at 9.15am.  As you progress through the booking you will be able to select the pick up time and place (Invermoriston, 9.15am) and your booking confirmation email will also contain this information.  

Please note that the pick up time is approximate and we may collect you a little later than this, depending on road conditions etc. If we are going to be late we will do our best to inform you.  In order that we can do this please ensure that you include a working cell/mobile phone number on your booking.

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Meet your guides, gordon pearson.

Founder & Tour Guide

  730 Reviews

Gordon founded WOW Scotland in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. He is passionate about showcasing his homeland, and is continually striving to create the best possible experiences for every guest.

Robert Carr

  137 Reviews

Prior to being a tour guide, Rob ran successful food and tourism businesses in Edinburgh and Perthshire. He has now been in the Highlands for 16 years, where he loves to indulge in his joint passions of golf and hiking.

Andrew Jones

  210 Reviews

With over 10 years of experience as a tour director and guide, Andrew prefers to consider himself as a storyteller, amateur historian and, above all, an ambassador for Scotland

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West Highland Tours

Welcome to West Highland Tours, Fort William

At West Highland Tours we offer bespoke private day or half day tours of the glorious west highlands of Scotland.

Based as we are in Fort William, we're within easy access of some of the most stunning scenery and activities in the whole of Scotland. 

Let your driver take you where you want to go, or let him suggest an itinerary that best suits your interests and the time you have available.

You're spoiled for choice - our tours can take you to mountains, lochs, seascapes, beaches, castles, villages, attractions and events.

Click any button below to see just some of the places we can take you.

Pricing for a half day tour (3 hours) is £200 and for a full day tour (6 hours) the cost is £400.

Each tour can accommodate up to 4 guests. Meals and refreshments are not included in the price.

Use the contact form below to get in touch with West Highland Tours. When you write, please give as much information as you can: details of your dates, the number in your group, do you wish a morning, afternoon or full day, do you have a preferred itinerary, etc.

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FORT WILLIAM SEA TOURS

Stunning scenery,wonderful wildlife

Welcome to Fort William Sea Tours, where we pride ourselves on getting you close to the local wildlife including seals, dolphins, eagles and sea birds, and on providing you with an awesome adventure set in amazing natural scenery.

Our award winning Seafari tours offer you a superb ride around Loch Linnhe, including a visit to the local seal colony and our famous train chase, where we race the Harry Potter Express along the banks of Loch Eil!

fort william scotland tours

Take in the incredible scenery as we glide over the loch – Ben Nevis looms large above Fort William, and the unspoiled wilderness provides a majestic backdrop – golden eagles, sea eagles, otters, deer, dolphins and seals are frequent visitors to these wild shores!

So whether you are looking to join the fun while making new friends, or seeking a private tour for just your group, we can help create incredible memories that will last you a lifetime!

Click on the menu above, or contact us for more details.

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email: [email protected]

phone: 07908931709

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Highland Mini Tours

“Ceud-Mile Failte”

“a hundred thousand welcomes”, tours are not our business they are our passion, welcome to home of highland mini tours, discover the highlands and islands of scotland through our eyes on a unique and memorable highland mini tour.

With our enthusiastic passion, knowledge, humour and experience, allow us to show you historic castles, breath-taking scenery, dramatic glens shadowed by high towering mountains, expansive lochs, wildlife, culture and all the hidden gems which make The Highlands and Islands of Scotland one of the most amazing places in the world to visit.

From our base in Fort William “The Outdoor Capital of The UK” & Oban “The Gateway to The Isles” we have a selection of appealing tours to suit everyone’s requirements.

Allow us to take the hassle out of your visit to The Highlands & Islands as we invite you to sit back and relax in one of our vehicles to be guided around the dramatic landscapes of our beautifully carved Highland scenery.

All of our Tours have been carefully designed to give you a truly memorable experience on your visit to The Highlands & Islands of Scotland, you will also make a new friend from your local and knowledgeable driver/guide.

Our exciting selection of Highland Mini Tours vary from 4 hours to 7 hours, these tours can easily be extended to a full day tour. Our Highland Mini Tours offer more of an invaluable and unique personal service than most other tours.

Our informal Shore Excursions around Fort William & Oban, offer an insight to the local areas and last for 6 hours, they are ideal if you have limited time to visit or if you are disembarking from a cruise ship for the day, these tours can also be extended to a full day tour.

Our fascinating Full Day Private Guided Tours offer incredible days out around The Highlands & Islands, these tours are very popular and can be extended to multi day tours. The tours can be operated as stated or they can be tailored to your desired requirements. Our full day tours to the Islands involve panoramic ferry crossings and booking in advance is Highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

We can accommodate all styles of tours to meet your requirements whilst visiting Scotland, may it be Wildlife tours, Outlander tours, Golf tours, Whisky tours or Bespoke tours anywhere throughout Scotland, The Outer Hebrides, Orkney & Shetland.

As a fully licensed operator we are also able to offer Airport and City Transfer services.

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Booking essential to avoid disappointment

We look forward to sharing with you a magical and memorable tour on your visit to The Highlands of Scotland.

Fine Scottish hospitality and a warm friendly welcome await you

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Glenfinnan & Glen Nevis

Glencoe in Scotland

Glencoe & Glen Nevis

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Oban – Argyll – Glencoe

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Loch Ness and The Great Glen

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  1. THE 10 BEST Fort William Tours & Excursions

    These experiences are best for tours in Fort William: Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh; Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh; Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness; Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh

  2. THE TOP 10 Fort William Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    Group Walk up Ben Nevis from Fort William. 97. Take on the UK's highest mountain and experience the best of the Scottish countryside on this 8-hour Ben Nevis hike from Fort William. Follow a guide along rugged trails to the peak of Ben Nevis, and gain insight into the wildlife and geology for which the mountain is famous.

  3. Fort William and Glencoe Tour From Inverness

    Fort William & Glencoe Tour From Inverness. This tour is a fantastic full day tour with amazing scenery starting from Inverness. Starting your day from your hotel your first stop For photos is our famous lochness and urquhart castle. following this you will stop for 30 minutes in Fort Augustus to walk around this amazing town and lochs.

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    Great Glen Cycle Route Fort William. 1 Great Glen Cycle Route. One of Scotand's Great Trails, the Great Glen Way has something for all wayfarers with 79 miles of path, track, canal and loch to discover. Starting in Fort William and finishing in Inverness, the route can be walked or cycled with mountains and lochs as a stunning backdrop.

  6. 10 Best Fort William Day Trips: Hikes, Castles And Epic Train Journeys

    Climb Ben Nevis. The Ben Nevis hike is a bucket list day trip from Fort William (photo credit: Canva.com) Let's start with probably one of the most famous day trips you can do from Fort William - climbing Ben Nevis. Towering over the town, this iconic mountain is the highest in the UK, standing at 1,345 metres above sea level.

  7. The BEST Fort William Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    The best indoor activities in Fort William for rainy days are: From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & Highlands 3-Day Guided Tour.

  8. THE TOP Fort William Day Trips (w/Prices)

    Talk with distillers and your knowledgeable guide about the history of Scotland's most famous export, and learn all there is to know about the history of whisky making. 7 to 10 hours. Free Cancellation. from. $569.03. Price varies by group size.

  9. Fort William Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Tour in Fort William, United Kingdom: "I enjoyed everything about this experience and only wish there were more time to linger." Lane Galloway - May, 2023 About ToursByLocals. 5,139 Guides in 170 Countries! 2,397,488 Travelers Served! Learn More about how ToursByLocals works ...

  10. FORT WILLIAM & GLENCOE TOUR

    Explore Scotland's stunning Highlands with Highland Discovery on our Fort William & Glencoe Tour. From the picturesque town of Fort William to the dramatic peaks of Glencoe, you'll be taken on a journey of breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes. ... Scotland +447572 817097.

  11. 8 of the best day trips from Fort William, Scotland

    Driving through Glencoe 2. The Jacobite steam train. One of the most popular day trips from Fort William is the rail journey along the West Highland Line to Mallaig on board the Jacobite steam train - which Harry Potter fans might know better as the Hogwarts Express after it featured in the films.. The train uses vintage carriages, with a choice of First or Standard Class seats, and is ...

  12. Tours from Fort William and Mallaig

    Follow us on Instagram. 7 Harbour place. Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH15 1tq. Sailing Cruise Tour from Fort William and Mallaig, to Outer and Inner Hebrides, Caledonian Canal, Skye and more.

  13. Fort William: Seal Island Cruise 2024

    This cruise, departing from Fort William, is the perfect family-friendly activity for wildlife lovers, photographers, and more. As you cruise, your skipper and crew will keep you entertained and provide lots of fascinating information about local wildlife and history. Cruise to Seal Island on Fort William's Loch Linnhe.

  14. THE 10 BEST Fort William Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    These experiences are best for tours in Fort William: Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh; Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh; Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness; 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

  15. Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure (Edinburgh)

    This tour takes you up through dramatic and atmospheric Glencoe, before reaching Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Then, it's on to Glenfinnan to see the famous Viaduct and Monument. ... With over 25 years experience, we are one of Scotland's longest running tour operators who offer a wide range of 1, 2 & 3 day tours of the Scottish ...

  16. Fort William Scotland Travel Guide: 14 BEST Things To Do In Fort

    This Fort William travel guide shares the best things to do in Fort William, Scotland.-----Recommended Tours in Fort William:Ben Nevis Guided wal...

  17. Isle of Skye tour from Fort William, Fort Augustus & Invermoriston

    In the morning you need to take the 7.30am Citylink bus from Fort William Bus Station. This bus arrives in Invermoriston (outside the village hall) at 8.41am. From here it is a very short walk (approx. 1 minute, public toilets on the way) to the small carpark across the road from The Clog & Craft Shop, where the tour will collect you at 9.15am.

  18. West Highland Tours

    Welcome to West Highland Tours, Fort William. At West Highland Tours we offer bespoke private day or half day tours of the glorious west highlands of Scotland. Based as we are in Fort William, we're within easy access of some of the most stunning scenery and activities in the whole of Scotland. Let your driver take you where you want to go, or ...

  19. Wildlife Safaris and Scenic Tours from Fort William

    Wildlife Safaris and Scenic Tours from Fort William . Scotland's Big Five. Join Wild West and Loch Shiel cruises on our Wednesday full day safari to look for Scotland' Big Five of re deer, red squirrel, harbour seal, otter and golden eagle ... Wild West offer a selection of wildlife safaris and scenic tours to discover the wildlife, landscape ...

  20. FORT WILLIAM SEA TOURS

    Welcome to Fort William Sea Tours, where we pride ourselves on getting you close to the local wildlife including seals, dolphins, eagles and sea birds, and on providing you with an awesome adventure set in amazing natural scenery.

  21. Highland Mini Tours

    Our exciting selection of Highland Mini Tours vary from 4 hours to 7 hours, these tours can easily be extended to a full day tour. Our Highland Mini Tours offer more of an invaluable and unique personal service than most other tours. Our informal Shore Excursions around Fort William & Oban, offer an insight to the local areas and last for 6 ...

  22. Nicolson Tours of Scotland on Instagram: "This is part of the amazing

    2,393 likes, 56 comments - nicolsontours_of_scotland on January 22, 2024: "This is part of the amazing West Highland Way, from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William ...